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Skills Elementary

Student Incentives

COUGAR CASH!

Have you ever heard your students talking about Cougar Cash? Whether you have or have not, here is what it is and how it's earned. 

At Commodore, students follow our adopted guidelines for success, which are: C - Can use good judgment, A - Act with kindness, R - Respecting themselves and others, and E - Engage in learning (C.A.R.E). When students are spotted showcasing these guidelines, they can earn Cougar Cash. You might wonder, "how do you know if a student is exemplifying these traits? What are you looking for?"  Well, here's a tool we use to help us (see below) - we call this the PBIS matrix. The PBIS matrix outlines all the common areas in the school and lists out the expectations for all students while in these areas.

In addition to earning Cougar Cash by following school wide expectations, students can also earn by simply coming to school (attendance), reaching academic goals (AR goals, iReady growth targets, and more), and through other fun activities on site.

You might now be wondering, "Once they get the Cougar Cash what do they do with it?" So happy you asked! Once a month, we open up the Cougar Store for our students where they get to spend their hard-earned Cougar Cash. Students have the ability to save up for big prizes like mini fridges, inflatable chairs, or Squishmallows, or opt for a bunch of smaller arcade-style prizes like pencils, novelty erasers, fidgets and other fun school-related items.

We are always looking to include our parents in celebrating our student's success and can use a few volunteers when the store is open. If you are cleared through Be A Mentor and want to volunteer in the student store, please email Mrs. Clark at nmclark@stocktonusd.net, include your full name and availability, and she will send you the schedule as the time draws near.

A graphic design with the words 'Cougar Care' and 'CASH' in bold pink letters with yellow outlines, a geometric cougar illustration, and a list of positive values.

COMMON AREA Cafeteria Recess/ Playground Passing: Hallways, Courtyard, Sidewalks Bathrooms Classrooms
C Face forward in line Think about safety Use walking feet Use the restroom as intended Use your listening skills
Can use good judgment Use walking feet Play school appropriate games Move with purpose Lock your stall Use your observational skills
  Use indoor voices Use school appropriate language Use restroom or get a drink before class Flush the toilet Use classroom appropriate language
  Eat your lunch in a tidy manner Set gaming expectations/rules Put trash in can Button up/cover up before exiting stall Stay on topic
  Pick up after yourself Use equipment appropriately Respect posters/signage Use level 1 voices Wash your hands with soap and water Follow classroom procedures/expectations
  Use level 2 voices Freeze at 1st whistle, walk on 2nd   Use level 1 voice  
    Use the restroom   Feet are not for the seat  
           
A Help schoolmates with full hands Be considerate of others feelings Share the space Take turns Practice teamwork
Act with kindness Wait patiently in line Use your problem-solving skills Say excuse me Wait patiently Keep your space clean & organized
  Leave table/cafeteria cleaner than you found it Be patient while waiting   Inform teachers/staff if there’s a mess Practice patience when learning
  Stack trays nicely Take turns   Use only what you need Bring a positive attitude
  Sort trash/food items Share     Be helpful
    Be inclusive – check the friendship bench     Include others
R Say please and thank you Use your communication skills Be on time One person at a time in a stall Practice growth mindset
Respect themselves and others Keep hands, feet and items to yourself Express your feelings or ideas calmly Follow directions given by teachers/staff Keep horseplay/conversations out of the bathroom Always try your best
  Munch your own lunch Keep your hands and feet to yourself Be mindful of working classes while passing Keeps hands to yourself Use supportive/constructive language
  Ask for help when needed Be mindful of others personal space     Raise your hand for any request
  Be mindful of others’ space       Use appropriate language
           
E Ask questions when you’re not sure Try new things Be aware of your surroundings Read or review bathroom expectations Listen with your whole body (eyes, ears, mind)
Engage in learning Use your observation skills to make wise choices Be open minded Contribute to school culture by sharing art, ideas, messages Report messes, graffiti, or anything unusual Reflect on what works/what doesn’t
  Learn about classmates through conversation Make new friends     Discuss the things you learn
    Create new games     Ask questions
    Share your ideas